Red Shoes

Elvis Costello

About Red Shoes

"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" is a song written and recorded by Elvis Costello for his 1977 debut album My Aim Is True. Written by Costello on a train ride to Liverpool in 1976, the song features lyrics, according to Costello, about "romantic disappointment". The song features Byrds-inspired music with an intro contributed by John McFee of Costello's then-backing band Clover. "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" was released as the third single from My Aim Is True. Despite greater exposure than Costello's past singles, the song failed to chart in the UK. The song has seen positive reception from critics and remains a staple of Costello's live set. 


Year:
2016
2:47
63 
#2

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Oh, I used to be disgusted
And now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels want to wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, 'cause the angels want to wear my red shoes

Oh, oh, I was watching while you're dancing away
Our love got fractured in the echo and sway
How come everybody wants to be your friend?
You know that it still hurts me just to say it

Oh, I know that she's disgusted (Oh, why's that?)
'Cause she's feeling so abused (Oh, that's too bad)
She gets tired of the lust (Oh, I'm so sad)
But it's so hard to refuse
Can you say that I'm too old
When the angels have stolen my red shoes?

Oh, I said, "I'm so happy I could die"
She said, "Drop dead," then left with another guy
That's what you get if you go chasing after vengeance
Ever since you got me punctured, this has been my sentence

Oh, I used to be disgusted
And now I try to be amused
But since their wings have got rusted
You know, the angels want to wear my red shoes
But when they told me 'bout their side of the bargain
That's when I knew that I could not refuse
And I won't get any older, 'cause the angels want to wear my red shoes

Oh, I won't get any older, now the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes
Red shoes, the angels want to wear my red shoes...

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Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello (born Declan Patrick MacManus, 25 August 1954) is an English singer-songwriter. He began his career as part of London's pub rock scene in the early 1970s and later became associated with the first wave of the British punk/New Wave movement of the mid-to-late 1970s. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader than that of most popular songs. His music has drawn on many diverse genres; one critic described him as a "pop encyclopaedia", able to "reinvent the past in his own image". more »

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Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre
"Red Shoes" is a classic song by Elvis Costello, known for its fusion of New Wave and Punk genres.
Album
It was originally released as part of Costello's debut studio album, "My Aim is True," in July 1977.
Label
"Red Shoes" was released under the Stiff Records label.
Inspiration
The song was allegedly inspired by Costello's disillusionment with the music industry—reflecting his early days as a struggling musician.
Reception
The song, alongside the album, was positively received. The album "My Aim is True" is often regarded as one of the best debut albums of all time, with "Red Shoes" commonly noted as a standout track.
Recording
Elvis Costello recorded the album in a series of six four-hour studio sessions, implying that "Red Shoes" and the other tracks on the album were likely recorded in a relatively short amount of time.
Legacy
The Elvis Costello song "Red Shoes" has left a lasting impression on the music industry. The song is regularly played on classic rock and alternative radio stations.
Live Performance
Elvis Costello often incorporates "Red Shoes" into his live performances, a testament to its popularity and enduring appeal.
Music Video
A black-and-white music video was made for the song "Red Shoes." It features Costello busking while wearing the titular red shoes, attracting a crowd as he plays.
Songwriting
The poignant lyrics and evocative imagery used in "Red Shoes," are part of Costello's signature songwriting style. The song uses the metaphor of the shiny red shoes as a symbol of glamour and deceit.
Collaborators
"Red Shoes" was not recorded with Costello's usual backing band, The Attractions. Instead, it features musicians, including John McFee on guitar, Sean Hopper on keyboards, Johnny Ciambotti on bass, and Mickey Shine on drums.
Chart Performance
Whilst "Red Shoes" was not released as a single and hence did not chart, the "My Aim is True" album peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and number 32 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

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